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The Jones Mercury is engineered for all-mountain and freeride snowboarders who demand immediate edge control without sacrificing comfort over rough, tracked-out snow. Built using NOW SkateTech architecture, the Mercury features a baseplate that hinges over a central kingpin. This design directs foot pressure directly onto your board's edges rather than flexing the center of the deck, giving riders exceptional leverage during aggressive carves while significantly cutting down on foot fatigue. What sets the Mercury apart in independent reviews is its ride-tuning versatility. Jones includes interchangeable dampening bushings that sit under the four contact points of the binding. Swapping between hard and soft bushings lets you transition the feel from a rigid, hard-charging platform suited for steep backcountry chutes to a looser, more surf-like flex for playful powder days and relaxed groomer cruising. The Flip-It ankle strap can also be reversed to shift support higher or lower on the boot cuff. While the SkateTech feel delivers clear performance advantages, it does produce a slightly distinct underfoot sensation that can feel unfamiliar to riders accustomed to traditional dead-flat mounting discs. The binding also sits at a premium price point, and swapping out the bushings requires carrying extra hardware and spending time with a screwdriver off the hill. **Highlights** - NOW SkateTech kingpin design directs rider energy straight to the edges - Swappable high-density bushings allow quick customization of flex and dampening - Flip-It ankle straps can be swapped between boots for customized support - Asymmetrical highback provides robust heel-side leverage and lateral freedom - Stiff all-mountain flex profile tuned for technical lines and high speeds **Watch-outs** - Hinged baseplate feel requires an adjustment period for traditionalists - Bushing changes require tools and manual disassembly - Premium retail price sits near the top of the category
Pros
- SkateTech kingpin architecture delivers exceptional edge leverage
- Interchangeable bushings allow meaningful customization of dampening
- Flip-It ankle straps provide two distinct support profiles
- Excellent vibration absorption in choppy and frozen snow conditions
Cons
- Changing dampening bushings requires tool disassembly at home
- Hinged baseplate feel requires an adjustment period for traditionalists
- Premium price point sits near the top of the all-mountain category
Best uses
- Aggressive all-mountain riding
- Technical freeride lines
- High-speed groomer carving
- Variable resort snow
Specifications
- Riding Style
- All-Mountain / Freeride
- Entry Style
- Traditional Strap-in
- Weight
- 3 lb. 11.3 oz. (pair)
- Chassis Tech
- NOW SkateTech with central kingpin
- Flex Rating
- Medium-Stiff (Adjustable)
- Baseplate Disc
- Universal 4x4 and Channel compatible
Pricing
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Best for
Aggressive all-mountain riding, Technical freeride lines, High-speed groomer carving, Variable resort snow
Where to buy the Mercury
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The Jones Mercury is an aggressive all-mountain and freeride snowboard binding designed for riders who demand direct power transmission, dependable edge hold, and vibration absorption across chopped terrain. Rather than relying on a traditional static baseplate, the Mercury utilizes NOW SkateTech architecture, which centers the binding chassis on a pivoting kingpin. This mechanical setup redirects the rider's downward foot input away from the center of the snowboard and straight out to the contact edges, generating significant leverage with less physical effort. Beyond raw edge-to-edge leverage, the Mercury stands out for its high degree of mechanical adjustability. Jones outfits the binding with swappable high-density dampening bushings under the four baseplate contact points, paired with reversible Flip-It ankle straps. These modular features allow riders to retune the interface depending on the terrain, shifting between a firm, locked-in stance for high-speed technical lines and a more forgiving, surfy flex for deeper snow or relaxed cruising. While the binding delivers remarkable stability and responsiveness, the SkateTech sensation is distinct from a standard dead-mounted binding disc. It demands an adjustment period for purists used to a uniform underfoot flex, and the higher retail cost positions it squarely in the premium tier. For committed resort carvers and backcountry riders looking to maximize board control without exhausting their calves, the design offers proven engineering merits.
SkateTech Drive and Energy Transfer
The foundational element of the Jones Mercury is the NOW SkateTech chassis, which operates much like a skateboard truck. Traditional bindings clamp down over a broad disc that creates a dead spot in the board flex and forces riders to muscle their boots over the sidewalls. The Mercury instead hinges over a burly central kingpin and hanger assembly, concentrating energy transfer through four post contact points positioned directly over the board edges. This mechanical lever arm creates rapid edge engagement with minimal boot flexion. On hardpack and ice, this direct leverage translates to noticeable edge purchase, giving riders confidence when setting a rail at high speeds. Because less force is lost through flexing the binding tray, foot fatigue is mitigated over full resort days.
Ride Tuning and Bushing Modules
A defining feature highlighted across independent gear roundups is the Mercury's ride-tuning capability via interchangeable bushings. Jones supplies the binding with multiple sets of urethane bushings that slot beneath the toe and heel posts. Swapping in the stiffer bushings yields a rigid, instantaneous transmission profile suitable for steep freeride descents and high-torque carves. Installing the softer bushings provides increased lateral roll and dampens vibration, mimicking a more fluid, surf-inspired sensation. Further customizability comes from the asymmetrical Flip-It ankle straps; mounting them in freeride mode provides enhanced upper-cuff support and stiffness, while flipping them reverses the profile to grant lateral ankle freedom for maneuvering through trees and uneven powder fields.
Dampening and Rough Snow Performance
Variable snow, frozen chunder, and late-afternoon chop test a binding's shock absorption as much as its lateral support. The Mercury excels here due to the isolation created between the footbed, the hanger, and the topsheet of the board. The rubber and urethane contact bushings absorb high-frequency vibrations before they reach the rider's joints, acting as a built-in suspension system. Combined with a full EVA footbed, the binding filters out the harsh feedback typical of ultra-stiff carbon chassis bindings. The asymmetrical highback complements this by offering firm rearward leverage when leaning into heel-side turns, while maintaining cutouts that prevent calf bite when traversing sidehills or leaning laterally.
Fit, Hardware, and Adjustability Notes
The Mercury features tool-less hardware adjustments on both the ankle and toe strap ladders, making on-hill centering straightforward. The low-profile toe strap uses a pliable webbing structure that molds securely over the front of modern boot shapes without slipping or pinching. However, making full use of the binding's primary advantage—its modular bushings—is not a quick on-mountain task. Changing the bushings requires unthreading the center mounting disc and disassembling the post assembly with a screwdriver, making tuning an activity best handled on a workbench before riding. Boot sizing is true to Jones specifications, though wider boot profiles should be checked for flush fit inside the extruded heelcup.
Durability and Component Construction
Engineered with composite nylon and fiberglass structural elements, the Mercury is built to endure abrasive resort use and backcountry demands. The aluminum buckles feature durable springs with smooth racheting teeth that resist icing up in wet snow conditions. Because SkateTech concentrates high load onto the central kingpin and post grommets, these points are heavily reinforced with steel hardware. Long-term usage patterns recorded by testing outlets indicate strong component longevity, with minimal frame fatigue or strap stretching over multiple seasons. The modular nature of the design also works to its advantage: wear components like straps, ratchets, and bushings can be individually replaced without retiring the main baseplate assembly.
Comparative Value and Category Alternatives
At an approximate retail price of $380, the Jones Mercury sits against established high-end freeride benchmarks like the Union Atlas and the Burton Cartel X. Traditionalists who prefer the solid, continuous contact of a full-perimeter tray may gravitate toward the Atlas, which provides unmatched lateral rigidity and uniform dampening via standard baseplate channels. The Cartel X offers a lighter overall weight profile and proven ergonomics for Burton channel riders. However, neither alternative provides the mechanical leverage or interchangeable underfoot dampening of the Mercury. For riders who prioritize reduced foot fatigue, edge responsiveness, and the freedom to tweak flex characteristics, the Mercury justifies its price premium.
How we picked
We started with a long list of snowboard bindings that people actually buy, cut anything that could not clear our baseline for durability and field performance, then ranked the 10 that were left against the same criteria. Rankings are editorial. No brand pays for placement, and affiliate links never move a pick up or down.
- Response and fit
- How the gear transmits movement and fits the boots or body it is paired with.
- Ease of use in the cold
- Straps, buckles and access you can work with gloves on.
- Real-world durability
- How the material, stitching, or steel holds up after a season of hard use — not how it looks new.
- Performance in bad conditions
- Wind, rain, cold, and grit are the test. Anything that only works on a nice day gets marked down.
- Weight and packability
- Every ounce has to earn its place in the pack, but not at the cost of something that fails in the field.
- Ease of use
- Setup, adjustment, and maintenance with cold hands, in the dark, without the manual.
Mercury — frequently asked questions
- Is the Mercury worth it?
- We rank it #1 in Snowboard Bindings. The Jones Mercury is engineered for all-mountain and freeride snowboarders who demand immediate edge control without sacrificing comfort over rough, tracked-out snow. Built using NOW SkateTech architecture, the Mercury features a baseplate that hinges over a central kingpin.
- What is the Mercury best for?
- Best for aggressive all-mountain riding, technical freeride lines, high-speed groomer carving and variable resort snow. Standouts: skatetech kingpin architecture delivers exceptional edge leverage and interchangeable bushings allow meaningful customization of dampening.
- What are the downsides of the Mercury?
- Changing dampening bushings requires tool disassembly at home, Hinged baseplate feel requires an adjustment period for traditionalists and Premium price point sits near the top of the all-mountain category.
- What are the key specs of the Mercury?
- Riding Style: All-Mountain / Freeride · Entry Style: Traditional Strap-in · Weight: 3 lb. 11.3 oz. (pair) · Chassis Tech: NOW SkateTech with central kingpin · Flex Rating: Medium-Stiff (Adjustable)
- SkateTech Drive and Energy Transfer — what should I know about the Mercury?
- The foundational element of the Jones Mercury is the NOW SkateTech chassis, which operates much like a skateboard truck. Traditional bindings clamp down over a broad disc that creates a dead spot in the board flex and forces riders to muscle their boots over the sidewalls.
- Ride Tuning and Bushing Modules — what should I know about the Mercury?
- A defining feature highlighted across independent gear roundups is the Mercury's ride-tuning capability via interchangeable bushings. Jones supplies the binding with multiple sets of urethane bushings that slot beneath the toe and heel posts.
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